Shoe-slipper combination

ABSTRACT

One example embodiment includes a shoe-slipper combination. The shoe-slipper combination includes a shoe, wherein the shoe is configured to be worn by a wearer. The shoe-slipper combination also includes a slipper. The slipper is configured to fit on the foot of the wearer and fit at least partially within the shoe.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/452,136 filed on Mar. 13, 2011 whichapplication is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Shoes are routinely worn by many people around the world. The shoe wornat a particular time and in a particular place by a particular wearercan depend on a number of factors. For example, the wearer can factor incomfort, design, social setting and even status when picking theappropriate shoe.

In many instances shoes that would be appropriate for one setting wouldbe inappropriate for another setting. For example, dance shoes would beappropriate during a dance recital but may not be appropriate for a moreformal setting, such as a reception or dinner. This means that if thewearer is going from one social setting to a different social settingwithout returning home or to where his/her shoes are otherwise locatedhe/she may be required to bring multiple pairs of shoes.

This can lead to a multitude of problems. For example, the wearer mustchange his/her shoes which may draw attention to the inappropriateshoes. Further, the wearer must find a place to store the extra shoes.This may not always be a problem, but can be significant if the wearerdoes not wish to carry his/her belongings to each location.Additionally, storing the shoes means that there is potential for thewearer to forget one or more pairs of shoes.

In addition, one or more of the pairs of shoes may be uncomfortable forthe wearer. For example, high heeled women's shoes tend to lacksignificant amounts of padding. This can lead to blisters or other soreson the foot of the wearer, especially if worn for long periods of time.I.e., the wearer may have a comfortable pair of shoes close at hand butmay not be able to wear them because of social restrictions.

Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a shoe that can accommodateother shoes within the shoe cavity. In addition, there is a need in theart for the inner shoe to be concealed. Further, there is a need in theart for the inner shoe to provide padding for the outer shoe.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is itintended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimedsubject matter.

One example embodiment includes a shoe-slipper combination. Theshoe-slipper combination includes a shoe, wherein the shoe is configuredto be worn by a wearer. The shoe-slipper combination also includes aslipper. The slipper is configured to fit on the foot of the wearer andfit at least partially within the shoe.

Another example embodiment includes a shoe-slipper combination. Theshoe-slipper combination includes a shoe. The shoe includes an outsole,an insole and an upper. The shoe-slipper combination also includes aslipper. The slipper includes an outsole, an insole and an upper. Theslipper is configured to fit on the foot of the wearer and fit withinthe shoe. The outsole of the slipper rests on the insole of the shoe andthe upper of the slipper is at least partially concealed by the upper ofthe shoe.

Another example embodiment includes a shoe-ballet shoe combination. Theshoe-ballet shoe combination includes a shoe. The shoe includes anoutsole, a heel attached to the outsole, an insole and an upper. Theshoe-ballet shoe combination also includes a ballet shoe. The balletshoe includes an outsole, an insole and an upper. The ballet shoe isconfigured to fit on the foot of the wearer and fit within the shoe. Theoutsole of the ballet shoe rests on the insole of the shoe and the upperof the ballet shoe is at least partially concealed by the upper of theshoe.

These and other objects and features of the present invention willbecome more fully apparent from the following description and appendedclaims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forthhereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further clarify various aspects of some example embodiments of thepresent invention, a more particular description of the invention willbe rendered by reference to specific embodiments thereof which areillustrated in the appended drawings. It is appreciated that thesedrawings depict only illustrated embodiments of the invention and aretherefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. The invention willbe described and explained with additional specificity and detailthrough the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a shoe-slipper combination;

FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of a shoe;

FIG. 2B illustrates a top view of the shoe;

FIG. 3A illustrates a side view of a slipper; and

FIG. 3B illustrates a top view of the slipper.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF SOME EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made to the figures wherein like structures willbe provided with like reference designations. It is understood that thefigures are diagrammatic and schematic representations of someembodiments of the invention, and are not limiting of the presentinvention, nor are they necessarily drawn to scale.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a shoe-slipper combination 100. In atleast one implementation, the combination 100 can allow a user to wear afirst shoe inside of a second shoe. I.e., the user can insert his/herfoot within the first shoe into a second shoe without removing the firstshoe. The inner shoe can provide padding for the outer shoe.Additionally or alternatively, the outer shoe can conceal the innershoe.

FIG. 1 shows that the shoe-slipper combination 100 can include a shoe12. In at least one implementation, the shoe 12 can include footwearintended to protect and comfort the human foot while doing variousactivities. Additionally or alternatively, the shoe 12 can be used as anitem of decoration. The shoe 12 can include any desired material. Forexample, the shoe 12 can include leather, wood or canvas, rubber,plastics, and other materials. The foot contains more bones than anyother single part of the body. Though it has evolved over hundreds ofthousands of years in relation to vastly varied terrain and climateconditions, the foot is still vulnerable to environmental hazards suchas sharp rocks and hot ground, which shoes can protect against.

FIG. 1 also shows that the shoe 12 can include an outsole 2. In at leastone implementation, the outsole 2 can include the layer in directcontact with the ground. The outsole 2 can include any desired material.For example, the outsole 2 can include leather, resin rubber, naturalrubber or a synthetic material like Polyurethane. The outsole maycomprise a single piece, or may be an assembly of separate pieces ofdifferent materials. E.g., the heel of the outsole 2 can include arubber plate for durability and traction, while the front is leather forstyle. Specialized shoes will often have modifications on this design:athletic or so called cleated shoes like soccer, rugby, baseball andgolf shoes have spikes embedded in the outsole 2 to grip the ground.

FIG. 1 further shows that the shoe 12 can include an upper 5. In atleast one implementation, the upper 5 (also called a vamp) can includethe upper portion of the shoe 12 that helps hold the shoe onto the foot.In the simplest cases, such as sandals or flip-flops, this may benothing more than a few straps for holding the sole in place. Closedfootwear, such as boots, trainers and most men's shoes, will have a morecomplex upper. This part is often decorated or is made in a certainstyle to look attractive. The upper 5 may include laces, hook and loopfasteners, straps or other devices for securing the upper 5 around thefoot of the user.

FIG. 1 additionally shows that the shoe 12 can include a heel 1. In atleast one implementation, the heel 1 can include the bottom rear part ofthe shoe 12. The heel 1 can support the heel of the foot. The heel 1 canbe virtually flat or can include thicker or larger structures intendedto elevate the user or make the user look taller. The heel 1 can includeembellishments for fashion sake, such as in high heel shoes.

FIG. 1 also shows that the shoe 12 can include an insole 6. In at leastone implementation, the insole 6 is the interior bottom of a shoe, whichsits directly beneath the foot under the footbed (also known as sockliner). I.e., the insole 6 is located above the outsole 2. The insole 6can protect the foot of the user from harder material used to producethe outsole 2. The insole 6 can include cellulosic paper board orsynthetic non-woven insole board. Extra material can be added to theinsole 6 for comfort, to control the shape, moisture, or smell of theshoe, to help deal with defects in the natural shape of the foot, orposition the foot during standing or walking.

FIG. 1 further shows that the shoe-slipper combination 100 can include aslipper 13. In at least one implementation, the slipper 13 can beconfigured to fit into the shoe 12. I.e., the slipper 13 can fit abovethe outsole 2 and within the upper 5 of the shoe 12. The slipper 13 canbe lightweight compared to the shoe 12. The wearer can remove the shoe12 while continuing to wear the slipper 13 or insert his/her foot intothe shoe 12 without removing the slipper 13. I.e., the wearer can wearboth the slipper 13 and the shoe 12 if desired or either slipper 13 orthe shoe 12 separately. For example, the wearer can wear both theslipper 13 and the shoe 12 to a location then remove the shoe 12 whilecontinuing to wear the slipper 13.

In at least one implementation, the slipper 13 can include any flexibleshoe. In particular, the slipper 13 can include any shoe that is capableof being inserted into the shoe 12. For example, the slipper 13 caninclude canvas or cloth shoes that can bend and flex while beinginserted into or removed from the shoe 12. The slipper 13 can include aheel, or can be a flat shoe as desired by the user.

In at least one implementation, the slipper 13 can include a balletshoe. Ballet shoes, or ballet slippers, are lightweight shoes designedspecifically for ballet dancing. They may be made from soft leather,canvas, or satin, and have flexible, thin soles. In general, balletshoes fit very closely to the wearer's foot, for safety and to retainmaximum flexibility. For example, the slipper 13 can include a pointeshoe. A pointe shoe is a ballet shoe with a box within the front end ofthe shoe that encases and supports the dancer's toes and a shank, whichis a piece of rigid material that serves to stiffen the sole so as toprovide support for the arch of the en pointe foot.

When the slipper 13 is removably inserted into the shoe 12, the outsole9 of the slipper 13 forms an insole 6 of the shoe 12. Alternatively, theoutsole 9 may form a sockliner or midsole if the shoe 12 alreadyincludes an insole 6. Thus, the shoe 12 is constructed and arranged toreceive the slipper 13, and to accommodate the outsole 9 of the slipperwithin the shoe 12.

One of skill in the art will appreciate that the slipper 13 can benearly the same size and shape as the inner cavity of the shoe 12. I.e.,the slipper 13 can include an outsole 9, insole 11, and an upper 10which are mostly or completely hidden by the shoe 12 when both theslipper 13 and the shoe 12 are worn by the user. For example, wheninserted into the shoe 12, the periphery of the slipper 13 fits snuglywithin the shoe 12. Further, the upper 5 is sized and designed toaccommodate a user's foot within the shoe 12 while the slipper 13 isdisposed within the shoe.

FIG. 1 additionally shows that the slipper 13 can be sized to beinserted in the shoe 12. In particular, the cavity created by the upper5 of the shoe 12 is large enough to accommodate the slipper 13. Inparticular, the cavity created by the upper 5 of the shoe 12 is ofapproximately the same size and shape as the external shape and size ofthe slipper 13. I.e., the slipper 13 will be lowered into the cavitycreated by the upper 5 of the shoe 12 with the outsole 9 of the slipper13 touching the insole 6 of the shoe 12 and the heel 8 of the slipper 13touching the heel 1 of the shoe 12.

In at least one implementation, the slipper 12 can be attached to theshoe 13 using a fastener. The fastener can include any device which isconfigured to keep the slipper 12 within the shoe 12. For example, thefastener can include snaps, buttons, zippers, hook and loop fasteners,or any other fastener. The fastener can be located such that it does notrub the wearer's foot, preventing blistering or other discomfort. Thefastener can be located such that it does not show or otherwise protrudefrom the cavity of the shoe 12. Locating the fastener within the cavityof the shoe 12 can ensure that when the outsole 9 of the slipper 13 isused as the midsole of the shoe 12 the fastener does not interfere withfoot placement inside the shoe 12.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate an example of a shoe 12. FIG. 2A illustratesa side view of the shoe 12; and FIG. 2B illustrates a top view of theshoe 12. In at least one implementation, the shoe 12 can be configuredto be worn with a slipper 13. I.e., the shoe 12 can allow the user towear a slipper within the shoe 12, as described above.

FIGS. 2A and 2B show that the shoe 12 can include an outsole 2. In atleast one implementation, the outsole 2 of the shoe 12 is composed ofstiff and resilient material, such as polyurethane, dual density SSRrubber, vulcanized rubber or ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), and may includea plurality of different materials in different locations to providevarying amounts of support to different parts of the foot. I.e., theoutsole 2 can protect and support the foot of the wearer.

FIGS. 2A and 2B also show that the shoe 13 can include an insole 6. Inat least one implementation, the insole 6 can include materials that areantibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, and/or antifungal substances.In particular, the substances can prevent any bacterial, microbial,viral or fungal growth in the shoe 12. I.e., the substances can kill anybacteria, microbes, viruses or fungi before the bacteria, microbes,viruses or fungi are able to infect the user. For example, thesubstances can include bamboo charcoal or some other substance. One ofskill in the art will appreciate that the substances can serve multiplepurposes. For example, bamboo charcoal is a desiccant in addition to itsantibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, and antifungal properties.

FIGS. 2A and 2B further show that the shoe 12 can include a heel 1. Inat least one implementation, the heel 1 is configured to support theheel of the wearer. I.e., the heel of the wearer rests on the heel 1 ofthe shoe 12. The heel 1 is preferably composed of plastic, syntheticmaterial or any other desired material. The heel 1 can be of varyinglengths. For example, the bottom of the heel 1 can be level with thebottom of the outsole 2. Additionally or alternatively, the heel 1 canraise the back of the outsole 2, such as in high heel shoes.

The heel 1 can include any desired heel design. For example, the heel 1can include a high heel, or a heel which raises the heel of the wearerabove the wearer's toes. In contrast, a heel 1 which places the heel 1of the wearer on the same level as the wearer's toes comprises aplatform shoe. For example, the high heel can include any desired heel,such as a kitten heel, a stiletto heel, a spool heel or a wedge heel. Akitten heel includes a short, slender heel that can include a slightcurve setting the heel in from the edge of the shoe. A stiletto heelincludes a long, thin, high heel. A spool heel includes a heel that iswide at the top and bottom and narrower in the middle. I.e. a spool heelincludes a heel that is thicker at both ends and thinner in the middle.A wedge heel includes a sole in the form of a wedge so that one piece ofmaterial, normally rubber, serves as both the sole and the heel. I.e.,the sole is thicker at the back than the front.

FIGS. 2A and 2B additionally show that the shoe 12 can include an upper5. In at least one implementation, the upper 5 can include any desireddesign. For example, the upper 5 can include straps or other partialcoverings, such as in sandals and flip-flops. Additionally oralternatively, the upper 5 can cover either all or a portion of the topof the wearer's foot. For example, the shoe 12 can include pumps orother shoes which are designed to cover the wearer's toes, but not otherportion of the wearer's foot. In contrast the shoe 12 can include anupper 5 which covers the entire top of the wearer's foot, such as boots.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an example of a slipper 13. FIG. 3Aillustrates a side view of the slipper 13; and FIG. 3B illustrates a topview of the slipper 13. In at least one implementation, the slipper 13can be worn independently. Additionally or alternatively, the slipper 13can be worn in conjunction with a shoe, as described above.

FIGS. 3A and 3B show that the sole of the slipper 13, comprising theoutsole 9 and the insole 11, can be configured to match the profile ofthe plantar surface of the human foot. The outsole 9 can be fabricatedfrom stiff and resilient material, such as polyurethane, dual densitySSR rubber, vulcanized rubber or ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA), and mayinclude a plurality of different materials in different locations toprovide varying amounts of support to different parts of the foot.Further, the insole 11 may be provided with an anti-microbialprotectant.

In at least one implementation, the insole 11 can include materials thatare antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, and/or antifungalsubstances. In particular, the substances can prevent any bacterial,microbial, viral or fungal growth in the slipper 13. I.e., thesubstances can kill any bacteria, microbes, viruses or fungi before thebacteria, microbes, viruses or fungi are able to infect the user. Forexample, the substances can include bamboo charcoal or some othersubstance. One of skill in the art will appreciate that the substancescan serve multiple purposes. For example, bamboo charcoal is a desiccantin addition to its antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiviral, andantifungal properties.

FIGS. 3A and 3B also show that the upper 10 can include a flexible andelastic material. In at least one implementation, the upper 10 can beflexible to allow easy insertion of the slipper 13 into a shoe. I.e.,the upper 10 can conform to both the foot of the wearer and the innerportion of the shoe.

In at least one implementation, the slipper 13 can include a mechanismfor removing the slipper from the shoe. In particular, the mechanism caninclude something for the user to grab when removing the slipper 13. Forexample, the mechanism can include a hook; or a tab that the user canpull in order to remove the slipper 13. For example, the hook or tab canbe near the rear of the shoe or near the top of the upper 10 where theuser can grab the hook or tab if desired.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from its spirit or essential characteristics. The describedembodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrativeand not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicatedby the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. Allchanges which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of theclaims are to be embraced within their scope.

1. A shoe-slipper combination, the shoe-slipper combination comprising:a shoe, wherein the shoe is configured to be worn by a wearer; and aslipper, wherein the slipper is configured to: fit on the foot of thewearer; and fit at least partially within the shoe.
 2. The shoe-slippercombination of claim 1, wherein the slipper includes a flexible shoe. 3.The shoe-slipper combination of claim 1, wherein the inner portion ofthe shoe is approximately the same size and shape as the outer portionof the slipper.
 4. The shoe-slipper combination of claim 1, wherein theslipper includes a flexible material.
 5. The shoe-slipper combination ofclaim 1, wherein the slipper fits completely within the shoe.
 6. Ashoe-slipper combination, the shoe-slipper combination comprising: ashoe, wherein the shoe includes: an outsole; an insole; and an upper;and a slipper, wherein the slipper includes: an outsole; an insole; andan upper wherein the slipper is configured to: fit on the foot of thewearer; and fit within the shoe, wherein: the outsole of the slipperrests on the insole of the shoe; and the upper of the slipper is atleast partially concealed by the upper of the shoe.
 7. The shoe-slippercombination of claim 6, further comprising a fastener, wherein thefastener is configured to attach the slipper to the shoe.
 8. Theshoe-slipper combination of claim 7, wherein the fastener includes asnap.
 9. The shoe-slipper combination of claim 7, wherein the fastenerincludes a hook and loop fastener.
 10. The shoe-slipper combination ofclaim 7, wherein the fastener is completely concealed by the shoe
 11. Ashoe-slipper combination, the shoe-slipper combination comprising: ashoe, wherein the shoe includes: an outsole; a heel attached to theoutsole; an insole; and an upper; and a slipper, wherein the slipperincludes: an outsole; an insole; and an upper wherein the slipper isconfigured to: fit on the foot of the wearer; and fit within the shoe,wherein: the outsole of the slipper rests on the insole of the shoe; andthe upper of the slipper is at least partially concealed by the upper ofthe shoe.
 12. The shoe-slipper combination of claim 11, wherein theslipper includes a mechanism for removing the slipper from the shoe. 13.The shoe-slipper combination of claim 12, wherein mechanism for removingthe slipper from the shoe includes one of: a hook; or a tab.
 14. Theshoe-slipper combination of claim 11, wherein the heel is substantiallyparallel to the outsole.
 15. The shoe-slipper combination of claim 11,wherein the heel extends from the outsole.
 16. The shoe-slippercombination of claim 15, wherein the heel includes a high heel.
 17. Theshoe-slipper combination of claim 15, wherein the heel includes one of:a stiletto heel; or a kitten heel.
 18. The shoe-slipper combination ofclaim 15, wherein the heel includes one of: a wedge heel; or a spoolheel.
 19. The shoe-slipper combination of claim 11, wherein the shoeincludes one of: a sandal; or a pump.
 20. The shoe-slipper combinationof claim 11, wherein the shoe includes one of: a boot; or a bootie.